Denver looks to launch basic income program to reduce homelessness

Denver Gazette

Denver would give 140 people a guaranteed income of $1,000 a month for up to a year to help them out of homelessness under a proposal unveiled this week by Mayor Michael Hancock and Denver’s Department of Housing Stability.

The city would use $2 million in federal stimulus money to fund the proposed program, which would need to be approved by the Denver City Council. Recipients would include women and people who identify as transgender or nonbinary, according to HOST.

“Just as important as housing and shelter is a regular source of income for those experiencing homelessness,” Hancock said in a statement. “This direct cash assistance will help more than 140 women and families currently in shelters move into stable housing, and provide support so they can stay housed, while opening space in our shelters to serve more people.”

HOST is working through the legislative process of requesting a resolution to appear in front of a council committee in the coming weeks to create a contract with the Denver Basic Income Project. 

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